The Right Time to Write

When is the best time to write?

Advice about scheduling is one of the most frequent topics I hear in MasterMind Writer Groups. Like most things related to writing, the answer is a personal one, but advice from others in similar situations can help us find solutions that fit our needs. That is why I did a quick Twitter poll (if you aren't already, follow me there @jtlongandco ) and found that the majority of writers - either because of the need to work during the day or temperament - work best in the afternoon/evening hours. 

TJ Pontz, a businsess writer and coach, shared that he can only do administrative, uncreative "office-type junk" before lunch. 

Jenifer De La Garza, a real estate writer, said: "I write best in the evenings and even better if I'm under pressure or deadline." Sounds familiar.

Carmen Shirkey, author of the new novel, The List, was an exception to the p.m. rule. "Writing comes to me in the wee hours of the a.m. It's like I dream the words and then they keep me awake until I write them down."

Barbara Kingsolver, one of my favorite writers, had this to say about making time to write. "My work routine is the same as any working mother's. I sit down at my desk with a cup of coffee as soon as my household gets quiet and the school bus has been met, and I quit the minute they get home and bounce in through my study door at 3:40 to tell me the new exciting tales of their day. Oftentimes that cup of coffee will still be sitting next to my left hand, cold and forgotten because I haven't stood up from my desk since I sad down that morning. (Yes, I do get muscle aches, but a walk or some rigorous gardening is good therapy.) I love to write. For me, it takes discipline to STOP writing and go make dinner or clean up the house. I can't tell you how to love writing, but I think the heart of the matter is that you've got to have some big, true THING you are dying to tell the world."

Now it's your turn. Share your scheduling secrets with your online MasterMind Group here or make that the opening topic of conversation in your next group meeting. Don't have a group yet? You can still pick up a copy of the Writer's Secret: MasterMind Your Way to Publishing Success for tips on how to launch and run an effective group. 

Get started NOW!

Yours in Writing,

Promptmasters

Jennifer Sander

and JT Long